Alisyn Gruener

Alisyn Henneck (MA IEM '13) is the Enrollment Manager for Language & Professional Programs at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

April 4, 2013

<p>Alumna, MA International Education Management 2013</p>

Where are you currently working?

I am the Enrollment Marketing Manager for Language & Professional Programs at the Monterey Institute.

What are your main job responsibilities?

Our department runs non-degree language programs for the institute, including a summer intensive program in 5 languages and a year-round intensive ESL program in addition to ongoing customized programs. I am responsible for developing and implementing marketing and recruitment activities that result in increased enrollment across our programs. I handle most external outreach for our programs, communicate with prospective students, and collect marketing materials during programs to share across our networks. As part of my external communication responsibilities, I also manage our website, social media outlets, and all other digital media presence for our department.

How did your experience in the International Education Management (IEM) program at MIIS prepare you for what you're doing now?

Each day, I communicate with international and domestic students who are interested in furthering their language skills for academic or professional reasons. Having the foundational knowledge about the world of international education is invaluable in my communications with students. If a student is preparing for a study abroad experience in Jordan, for example, understanding the ins and out of the education abroad market to and from that region helps me give accurate and helpful advice to that student. In particular, the marketing and recruitment course I took in the IEM program prepared me for the work I would encounter in this position. In that class, we learned how to develop, prepare, and implement a marketing plan, which has been an invaluable skill for me in my current role.

What is your fondest memory of your time at the Monterey Institute?

I loved being a part of the Student Council at MIIS. My time chairing social event committees and later as a member of the Executive Committee were invaluable to my experience as a graduate student and also helped me obtain a staff position at the institute when my time as a student concluded.

What advice would you give to current students on how to prepare themselves for a future career in this field?

Get involved in as many related events and groups as possible! As a young professional in this field in 2009, becoming a member of NAFSA, attending conferences, volunteering at special events, and networking my socks off every chance I got really helped solidify my own professional network of colleagues and friends. Also, specialize when you can. Taking a focus within the field of IE will be very helpful. This may be a professional focus like international student advising or a more general focus like technology or underrepresentation. Having specific interests and skills will make finding the 'best fit job' more realistic.